FanNation - The Republic of Sport

Before we start this breakdown of the Pittsburgh Steelers linebackers we would like to apologize to our readers for the delay in the release of this post. It has been a hectic few weeks with work and life and we had to take some time away from writing new stuff. With that said, lets get the ball rolling.

With our breakdowns of the quarter backs, running backs, wide receivers, tight ends, offensive line & corner backs now in the books, it is now time to move on to the greatest group in the NFL, the Steelers linebackers. This group of men includes the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year, James Harrison, LaMarr Woodley, James Farrior and Lawrence Timmons, who replaces the departed Larry Foote, in the starting line up.

A ton of press has been given to 'Silverback' recently, not for his play on the field or as the DPOTY but for his recent refusal to join his team at the White House to meet the President for his annual ass kissing to the voters among NFL fans. The tradition has been around a long time where the incumbent President invites the winner of the Super Bowl in for a visit and a player of that team almost never turns down the invitation. James Harrison on the other hand has now turned down both Obama and George W. and has recently taken a ton of heat for his actions.

Here at Pittsburgh Blitz we commend Harrison for being his own man though. We have nothing but respect for him and in no way see his actions as anything more then a man being true to his beliefs. With that said lets move on to the breakdown of the Steelers linebacker position.

The Starters:

 Steelers Position Breakdown of the Linebackers

James Harrison - What more can you ask of the reigning defensive player of the year? Harrison was an undrafted free agent who earned his spot on the team with hard work and dedication. He has racked up 28.5 sacks, 3 interceptions, 14 forced fumbles and was the hero of Super Bowl XLIII with his record setting 100 yard interception return for a touchdown. All this and 'Silverback' has only been a starter for two seasons.

Harrison recently turned 31 but he has relatively fresh legs for an NFL player his age, only being a starter for two seasons will help with that.  In his career though, Harrison has went from an undrafted practice dummy to a legit NFL star and possibly the best linebacker in the league. His play earned him a new contract a few months ago but he should continue to play at the same level regardless since he is used to earning what he gets, he should not lose sight of the light at the end of the tunnel now that he is a rich man.

LaMarr Woodley - From Michigan to Pittsburgh, Woodley was Mike Tomlin's second pick ever as the Steelers coach and in just two short years he went from Clark Haggans back up to a star in the league. He is strong and has a bull rush that beats most tackles in the league and his motor is always running at 120 mph.....

Read More